Saturday, August 17, 2013

August 17, 2013

Just in time for the new school year!

Just in time,  I have a new blog design! I was having a terrible time, so I contacted "The Cutest Blog in Town to help me out. They did a great job and were able to use some of my own illustrations!  "I haven't finished entering all my products and ideas in the proper category yet, but by the end of next week I should have it finished.

You would think I would  feel sad as the summer winds to a close. Instead, I  remember the feeling I always had as August approached... a feeling of excitement...planning for the new school  year...decorating my room...designing lessons. I know most of you feel the same way. 

My daughter, an Intervention Specialist, had a knee replacement during the summer. She  is working with a physical therapist who is helping her get into shape in the next two weeks. Her knee still hurts, especially when she can't raise her leg to rest very often. However, like any dedicated teacher, she is ready and looking forward to the challenge.

I want to tell you that Teachers Pay Teachers is having a huge two-day sale on the 18th and 19th of this month!  I have added some new, classroom tested,  products. Take a look at them.  If they would be a positive addition to your classroom, this is the time to make your purchases!

The first product I want to tell you about is  "Student Responsibilities and Procedures for Small Groups." The lesson is designed to keep students on task and cut down on disrupting behavior. It
presents a story about a small group meeting "gone bad." Your students will  recognize what went wrong and help set up procedures to follow for having successful meetings. Role-playing makes the lesson interesting and entertaining, as-well-as informative.





The second product is one of which I am especially proud! It is my Writing Assessment Portfolio. I  have used and revised this portfolio system for over fifteen years. It is a complete system of assessment, scaffolding, organization, student self-assessment, goal setting, conferencing, and more. Working together, these components provide a structure that students of all ability levels ((inclusion students through gifted) will benefit from. If you want a complete Portfolio System that teaches, as-well-as assesses, I am sure you will want to use this in your classroom.





 As you approach that big day when your new students show up at your classroom door... The day when those big, bright trusting eyes look up at you for the first time...you will remember why you became a teacher.  I wish you a year of adventure and rewards...the best year ever!

Ginger